filmmaking.net Blog Archive
Reinvent a 1980s TV Commercial for Riunite and Win $10,000
By Benjamin Craig, posted 26 July 2009
In these uncertain economic times many companies have decided to ditch their expensive advertising agencies in favour of throwing out an open call to independent filmmakers to have a shot at producing a commercial for their product or service. While there have been distant murmurings of exploitation amongst the "glass half-empty crowd", these competitions can be a great way to demonstrate talent, hone skills, and have a bit of fun... particularly when there are generous prizes on offer.
Keep the script bank full: Watch out for the No-Man's Land!
By Amey Nadkarni, posted 4 June 2009
Every filmmaker considers all his own films as supremely important but the first one is extra special. It is even beyond the preciousness that a first salary or the first child or the first kiss etc commands because unlike all of the above which we think off only after a certain stage and that too on and off, the first film is something that a filmmaker thinks off from the moment he realizes that he is a filmmaker. In fact I am not sure whether it is the film maker who thinks of the first film or the thought of the first film makes an individual - a filmmaker.
New Short Film Distribution Guide
By Benjamin Craig, posted 19 February 2009
Scottish Screen, the government film agency in Scotland, has produced an in-depth guide to the distribution of short films. And the best news is that it can be downloaded for free.
Focus 2008 - World Film Market Trends
By Benjamin Craig, posted 12 February 2009
Each year, the Marché du Film, the world's largest film market at the Cannes Film Festival releases a free report called Focus. The report details trends from the previous year in world film sales and distribution. The report is always a valuable read for anyone in interested in the business side of the international film world.
Writing A Script
By Jay Staudt, posted 9 February 2009
With the number of re-makes coming out these days, you'd think every original film idea had been used a dozen times. Not to say that it hasn't (the black-white "buddy cop" film has practically become its own genre.
Review: 'Movie Photos' by Alex Bailey
By Benjamin Craig, posted 20 January 2009
In most industry professionals' list of top tips for new and independent filmmakers you would find "great stills" near the top of the list. Getting decent stills for your film while you are on set is essential as the best shots to use in your marketing and publicity materials may not necessarily be sourced from a frame in the film. And indeed, using frame grabs as stills can introduce a whole host of problems of their own.
Love Linux? Make a video and win a trip to Tokyo!
By Benjamin Craig, posted 13 January 2009
Last year saw Microsoft attempt to re-invent itself through advertising, while Apple continued to invest millions of dollars in its consumer-focused campaigns. Now it's time for Linux to step up into the spotlight, the best way open source knows how - by tapping the collective expertise of the community.